Arsene Wenger’s nine-year wait for a trophy was a defining part of his Arsenal tenure but now the Frenchman can scarcely move for silverware after being handed his latest prize by the League Managers’ Association (LMA).
The 69-year-old, who left Arsenal in May, was handed the association’s Service to Football Award at Wembley Stadium on Thursday night.
Wenger has not been short on ceremonial honours to add to his three Premier League title and record seven FA Cup triumphs from his 22-year Arsenal tenure, having been handed a similar prize at the Leaders Sport Awards in October and been made a Knight Grand Commander of the Humane Order of African Redemption by a former player of his, Liberian president George Weah.
“Since I don't compete anymore, I get a trophy every week,” he joked. “How stupid was I not to understand earlier?”
England manager Gareth Southgate handed Wenger the award, whilst LMA chairman Howard Wilkinson said: "Arsene's contribution to English football has been hugely important to the advancement of the national game since he arrived at Arsenal Football Club in 1996.
"It is our privilege to bestow upon him the LMA Service to Football Award in recognition of his magnificent achievements.
"On behalf of his peers in the LMA, I thank him for his dedication to the profession and hope he will continue to have an impact on the game for many years to come."
Outgoing Football Association technical director Dan Ashworth was given a similar honour before he moves to a similar role at Brighton
